SWEETIE's cover - almost ready to show off I hope!

Angie(l) & Me(r)

SWEETIE has a cover! Oh, y'all, it's a beautiful cover and so appropriate to the story, but, as well, it is appropriate to who I am as a person and a writer—how I feel about nature. So much of my writing is nature-inspired, even when I am not aware of it, nature is threaded and weaved and seeped into my work. Anyone who knows me, or listens to me as I talk about this cove, knows how like a Mama Bear I become when I talk about this cove, the natural elements here, the beauty that needs our help to preserve it.

the cove & valley misted

Before I go off on that tangent(!), the cover art for SWEETIE – yes, that’s what I was talking about *laugh* -- When I first glanced at the image, I immediately was drawn to it—it wasn’t only the partial face (you can see the lower face and mouth of a woman and that image is compelling), the hands stretched out holding onto an object, the “crinkled” look that made it seem as if it was from something ancient, but, when I looked at it more closely, I saw where it is as if “Sweetie” is MADE of the leaves, or as if she is transparent and the leaves are showing through her. This nature element sold me on the cover right away.

There is an image of a Deep Blood Red Rose. At first, the rose threw me. I thought, hmm, a rose? Not sure. But then it took hold of me—the dress Sweetie wore to school with the roses that had turned old blood color. The symbol of love (and not romantic love, but the love between friends). The beauty. The Blood. The Burning Fire. The delicate petals that also hold the thorns. So many things popped into my head with that rose, I knew it was perfect—and as I write this, I am hoping the cover does stay as I saw it. And, as soon as all is approved and completed, I’ll post the image for y'all to see.

This just may be my favorite cover. I can’t wait to see it on the printed book, for only then can I, you, see the full impact of it.


I want to mention quickly here that the Book Club I Skyped with on Thursday afternoon went so very well. I was delighted to meet these women—they made me feel comfortable, made me laugh, and made me think. Always, always, readers make me think deeper about my books. I want to thank the Minnesota Book Club (and if you all have an official name-let me know!) for the opportunity to speak with them. If you have a book club that’s too far for me to travel to, Skyping is a wonderful way to connect!

Now, you tell me: What are you up to? I am so trying to visit all of your blogs, and on Facebook & Twitter, etc, and know I am behind. But, I will be stopping by even if it takes me a little longer. Things have been moving so fast and furious lately! What are you doing as the summer moves into fall (already! LAWD!). Projects?(and it doesn’t have to be writing projects). Trips? New Things on the Horizon? What? Or you can tell me: “Go by my blog, Miz Kathryn, and find out for yourself! Huhn!” Laugh . . .